Around Lisbon on the west coast lies the Estoril region. The area has some fantastic countryside and 10 resorts all within a short day-trip from the capital. Many visitors like to attempt the challenging links at Troia and the Praid d’El Rey course or the long Penha Longa Championship Course. This is a good base for those wishing to combine a city break/stay with their golf.

Golf holidays in Portugal are a wonderful mix of great weather, well-designed courses and cosmopolitan cities and beautiful countryside. This overview to the principal golfing regions provides an introduction some golfing highlights.

The island of Madeira only has 3 courses (Santo da Serra being the best) so won’t suit those wishing to play a lot of golf. But for those looking for a unique experience then the volcanic scenery, ocean views, lush tropical flora and undulating fairways can provide a very memorable golfing holiday.

For those seeking a one-stop golfing holiday Algarve has it all. The western region is exposed to the Atlantic breezes and has a number of championship courses – The hillside Parque Da Floresta, the Penina Championship Course and the O’Connor and Faldo Oceanico courses to name a few. The eastern Algarve has the Nicklaus designed Monte Rei course and the excellent Benamor course.

Central Algarve hosts the town of Vilamoura and the surrounding countryside has the greatest volume of resorts, golf courses and accommodation in the country. Courses such as the Oceanico Old Course and the Vale do Lobo Royal & Ocean courses (which hosted the Open) are definitely worth playing. Visitors who wish to play a lot of golf and don’t mind how busy the villages & courses can get will enjoy Vilamoura.

The Oeste region is the final area of note to golfers. It doesn’t have the range of courses or heritage of Estoril or the Algarve but there are some new resorts springing up so could provide a good destination for those seeking a scenic holiday rather than a full-on golfing break.